We wanted to see Scandinavia and the Baltic through Princess Cruises. Princess Cruises has the best itinerary for this region. See the reason why we wanted to do a cruise, on this post. We heard great reviews about this cruise line so we opted to do it through them. 

The map shows our cruise itinerary. We started and ended in Copenhagen. We were also able to visit another port in Denmark (Aarhus). Warnemunde is your gateway to Berlin and we had an 2 nights in St. Petersburg, Russia. The itinerary is the real taste of Scandinavia with a taste of the Baltics.

Aarhus Cathedral

We decided to take Princess Cruise because of their itinerary. We booked a balcony cabin (unobstructed view) so we could enjoy cruising the region and take better pics while we are inside our rooms. 

Aarhus, Denmark is the second largest city in Denmark and our first stop on our cruise. We honestly don't know what to expect in the city of Aarhus, since it's only our first time to hear this city. Before going on the cruise, of course, we did some research so we know what to do in each place. Well, Aarhus for starters didn't disappoint. It is a city that is easy to navigate. We walked around just by ourselves and wonder around the streets. It definitely has a different vibe than Copenhagen. The dock where the cruise ship docked is accessible to different modes of transportation. 

If you are looking for an off-the-beaten city in Denmark, this would be it. Copenhagen is not the only promising city in Denmark. Seeing Aarhus goes to show that Denmark has a lot to offer. Cities like this shouldn't be missed. 

Aarhus Cathedral

After walking the streets of the shopping area, we went to Den Gamle By. Den Gamle By or The Old Town is a living and breathing experience of a typical market town at the time of Hans Christian Andersen. 

Historical House in the 1800's

The Mintmaster's Mansion is a magnificent home from Copenhagen.

The Mayor’s House is regarded as the best-preserved Renaissance merchant’s house in Denmark.

After a tiring day, we walked back to our cruise ship, relaxed, ate our dinner and anxiously waited for the next day's destination.

Tivoli Gardens is the second oldest amusement park in the world.

It's been so long since Brock and I did a long vacation after moving back to the US. We wanted to try to do a cruise for several reasons: 
      1. It is the fastest and hassle free way to see the Scandinavia and Baltic region. 
    2. We wanted to experience cruising, for a change. There's always a first time right? 
      3. The route that the cruise company offered is the best itinerary for us since it is stopping by St. Petersburg for 2 full days.

On the right is the statue of Hans Christian Andersen.

Denmark is the starting point of our cruise and we decided to fly in days early before the cruise to see this city. Copenhagen has started to become the destination - for gastronomy and is also a good starting point to feel and see what Scandinavia has to offer.

Danish people is said to be the happiest people in the world. One Danish guy made an interesting point and he said "I think a better word would be ‘content’. We accept our situation and our outlook on things is often ‘it’s not as bad as it could be’. We’re not happier, we just don’t have very high expectations." 

We stayed in Copenhagen for almost three days and walked around the town's cobbled streets, had a very nice off the beaten path meal and just enjoying the taste of Scandinavia.

What you shouldn't miss while in Copenhagen? The Icebar experience - just because you are already in Copenhagen, have this experience and sip your drink in a glass made of ice. There's only few Icebars in the world. Of course, a stroll at Nyhavn. Tip, go early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Stroget - Shopping Center in Denmark

Dozen of bicycles on cobbled streets at Christiansborg Castle Square. Riding a bicycle is the locals favorite mode of transportation. On the left is the Fountain of Charity. 

Radhus - Copenhagen City Hall

This very recognized icon of Denmark is the Den Lille Havfrue - The Little Mermaid (by Hans Christian Andersen).

Amalienborg Palace is the winter home of the Royal Danish family. The palace is actually four identical Rococo buildings facing one another. The center of the square is a monumental equestrian statue of Amalienborg's founder, King Frederick V.